Tweet Lanes – the new ICS inspired Twitter app on the Android block

Tweet Lanes is a new Twitter client for Android that brings in a slick Ice Cream Sandwich thematic, loads of options and some very cool extra features. If you love Twitter, but are left feeling cold with the official client, this is a great option if you like the ICS design. The app is still in beta but is very stable and works brilliantly.

Pros & Cons:

Pros

Looks great!

Automatically loads lists!

VolScroll!

Multiple account support!

Fast and responsive!

Lots more features coming!

Cons

No widgets (yet).

No theming (yet).

Features:

While I personally use Google+ now more than any other social network, coming a close second is Twitter. While I find it lacks some levels of interaction, it’s quite simply the best source for news, debate and current affairs. It’s immediate, often uncompromising and usually a liberal dose of humour. I remember vividly that Twitter reported the death of Michael Jackson at least an hour before any news station picked it up. Twitter has found lost people, contributed to civilian uprisings in the Middle East and essentially documented human life on this planet since its the network’s beginning. If you’re not on it, you’re missing out. For every deluded celebrity there’s a wealth of knowledge right there, in 140-character chunks. And, of course, your Android device is the perfect way to stay up to date and contribute.

While the official Twitter client is pretty good, Tweet Lanes is the new Android-Twitter-client-on-the-block. It has been built around the Android Ice Cream Sandwich design guidelines so looks remarkably slick and professional throughout. The app also includes a number of cool features that set it apart from the pack. The first one that stood out to me is the intuitive VolScroll. This lets you scroll through your twitter feed using your volume buttons. It’s pretty smooth too and, after using it for a while, it becomes almost second nature and highly intuitive.

The other ICS-inspired Twitter client is Boid, which I reviewed recently. As much as I love it, however, it seems to take a while to load up- quite a few seconds pass before my stream is populated. However, I found with Tweet Lines everything is almost immediate- not just your timeline either, as Tweet Lanes loads all your lists in columns that are easy to swipe between. For a beta app that currently lacks things like themes (I love the dark Boid theme so hope this comes to Tweet Lanes) and widgets, it functions brilliantly well.

While both fast and responsive Tweet Lanes also includes often essential features such as multiple account support and the ability to reply to multiple people at the same time. The app also has what it calls a ‘Context Tweet Box’ which replaces the ‘New Tweet’ button. This means its quicker to post updates and you can see your stream behind, instead of having to dedicate your whole screen to the update. These are little things, but they’re each very intuitive and user-friendly.

There are more features to come, although these aren’t announced yet. I’m hoping they will include the ability to theme- I’ve never liked the pure-white look to apps and always prefer a darker option, so it would be great to see that. Additionally, there are currently no widgets which I would also personally like to see too. However, Tweet Lanes has stacks of potential and I can’t wait to see it grow. I see no reason why it can’t become a serious contender for best Android Twitter client so definitely check it out.

Tweet Lanes – Main timeline

Tweet Lanes – My timeline

Tweet Lanes – My profile

Tweet Lanes – VolScroll feature

Tweet Lanes – Posting a tweet

Tweet Lanes – Automatically loads your lists

Tweet Lanes – Lists

Usefulness:

If you use Twitter, Tweet Lanes has plenty of cool useful features to improve your experience while mobile. I really liked the intuitive way it loads your lists and the VolScroll ability. Additionally, the ‘Context Tweet Box’ is arguably a smoother solution than a dedicated New Tweet button/box.

Ease of Use:

Tweet Lanes is very easy to use. It’s fast, responsive and very user-friendly. With more features on the way, I’m sure this will only improve.

Frequently Used:

Some people tweet every last thing that happens to them. From what they dreamt about last night to what they’re having for breakfast and what they have chosen to wear that day… along with associated Twitpics. Others tweet important stuff or interesting thoughts they’ve had… the truth is, it’s down to the user how much you’d use any Twitter client. Tweet Lanes is very slick however, and perfect for all kinds of Tweeters.

Interface:

As discussed, Tweet Lanes is created upon Ice Cream Sandwich design guidelines, so expect a polished and altogether great-looking user interface.

AndroidTapp.com Rating

(4.3 out of 5)

Should you Download Tweet Lanes? It is an app I already rate highly, but will only improve with future updates. If you use the Twitter social network, be sure to check out Tweet Lanes. It’s currently free and, if you get in on the action now, you will also get premium features for free in the future (see app for details).